Cardiology

Veterinary Cardiology — Board-Certified Cardiac Care for Pets on Long Island

A heart condition in a pet is not a death sentence. With the right specialist and the right management plan, many dogs and cats with cardiac disease live comfortably for years, sometimes many more than their owners expected when they first heard the words ‘heart murmur’ or ‘congestive heart failure.’

At Gold Coast Center for Veterinary Care, our board-certified veterinary cardiologist, Dr. Keith Blass, DVM, MS, DACVIM, has dedicated his career to the diagnosis and management of cardiac conditions in companion animals. His goal, and ours, is not just to extend life, but to maintain the quality of it at every stage.

Cardiac Conditions We Diagnose and Manage

Cardiac disease in pets ranges from incidentally detected murmurs to advanced congestive heart failure. Our cardiology team manages the full spectrum:

Heart murmurs: Initial evaluation, echocardiographic staging, and monitoring protocols
Congestive heart failure (CHF): Left-sided and right-sided, in dogs and cats
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Particularly common in large breeds
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common cardiac disease in cats
Valvular disease: Mitral valve disease, the most common cardiac condition in dogs
Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, and conduction disorders

Congenital heart defects: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonic stenosis, and others
Pericardial disease: Pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade treatments
Pulmonary hypertension: Diagnosis, staging, and long-term management
Syncope and collapse: Cardiac versus non-cardiac workup
Pre-anesthetic cardiac evaluation: Risk assessment before surgery in known or suspected cardiac patients

Cardiac Diagnostic Services

Echocardiography

The most important diagnostic tool in veterinary cardiology — real-time imaging of heart structures, chamber dimensions, valve function, and blood flow. Used for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

12-lead or continuous ECG to evaluate heart rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction. Essential for diagnosing arrhythmias and guiding anti-arrhythmic therapy.

Holter Monitoring (ECG)

A wearable device records continuous heart rhythm for 24-48 hours during normal activity — detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may be missed during a clinic visit.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Systemic blood pressure evaluation — critical for managing hypertension associated with cardiac, kidney, and thyroid disease.

Thoracic Radiography

Chest X-rays to assess heart size and shape, pulmonary vasculature, and evidence of fluid accumulation — used at diagnosis and to monitor disease progression.

Cardiac Biomarkers

ProBNP and troponin testing to support diagnosis and monitor severity in heart failure patients — particularly valuable for screening before symptoms appear.

Cardiac Treatment and Long-Term Management

Once a cardiac diagnosis is established, we build a management plan tailored to the specific condition, its current stage, your pet’s overall health, and your goals as an owner. Cardiac disease in pets is typically managed, not cured, and the goal is stability, comfort, and preserved quality of life for as long as possible.

Cardiac medications: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, pimobendan, anti-arrhythmics, and others — titrated carefully to each patient
Fluid management: Monitoring and management of pulmonary or abdominal fluid accumulation in heart failure cases
Activity and lifestyle guidance: Evidence-based recommendations for exercise restriction and home monitoring
Routine monitoring: Scheduled rechecks to assess disease progression and medication response
Collaborative care with your veterinarian: We coordinate adjustments with your primary vet between Gold Coast appointments

When Should Your Pet See a Veterinary Cardiologist?

Your primary veterinarian will typically refer to our cardiology team when:

A heart murmur is detected and echocardiographic evaluation is needed
Signs of congestive heart failure are present — coughing, labored breathing, exercise intolerance, or collapse
An arrhythmia is detected on physical examination or ECG
A breed at elevated cardiac risk (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Doberman, Boxer, Maine Coon cat) needs screening
Pre-surgical cardiac evaluation is needed for a pet with known or suspected heart disease
Medication adjustments are not achieving adequate control of cardiac symptoms

Is this an emergency?

Gold Coast is a specialty and referral center open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm. For emergencies at any hour, West Hills Animal Hospital is on the same campus.